Universal broadcast code and multi-level encoded signal monitoring system

ABSTRACT

A multi-level encoded signal monitoring system and a universal broadcast code are provided. A plurality of encoders are provided for encoding a predetermined program source signal. The program source signal has a plurality of sequential segments. Each encoder is arranged for selectively encoding information on uniquely specified segments. A plurality of unique source information message data are selectively encoded on the uniquely specified segments to define the universal broadcast code with each unique encoded source information message data being representative of a level of distribution of the program signal. The predetermined program source signal is received and the encoded information on selected specified segments is decoded.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No.08/279,271, filed on Jul. 22, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,100.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for monitoringbroadcast signals, and more particularly to a universal broadcast code,methods and apparatus for encoding and monitoring a signal.

2. Description of the Prior Art

With the growing diversification of program and delivery sources intoday's marketplace, it has become increasingly difficult to measuretelevision (TV) ratings based upon the association of channel viewed inthe household with program lineup information separately collected viaanother system. In addition, there is growing interest, particularly onthe part of syndicators, to have verified lineups that go beyond programlevel resolution. More specifically what is desired is commercialverification. Further, there is interest among local broadcasters tohave very timely information regarding competitive commercial activity.Current commercial tracking systems which use passive patternrecognition technology have relatively long turnaround times inproviding data to the local marketplace.

Various arrangements have been employed to determine the channel towhich a radio and/or television receiver is tuned. Examples of receivermonitoring methods and apparatus for monitoring receivers are providedby U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,833,859; 3,973,206; 4,048,562, 4,425,578; 4,723,302;4,764,808; 4,876,736; 4,930,011; 4,943,963; and 4,972,503. Otherexamples of receiver or broadcast signal monitoring methods andapparatus for monitoring receivers or broadcast signals are provided byU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,919,479; 4,230,990; 4,547,804; 4,639,779; 4,677,466;4,739,398; 4,805,020; 4,931,871; 4,945,412 and 4,967,273. While thesesystems provide improvements over other known arrangements, a needexists for an economically effective system having flexibility toaccommodate monitoring a broadcast signal and providing the ability totrack and identify programs, commercials, promotions and other broadcastmaterial for verification, program-lineup, audit and television audiencemeasurement applications in a prompt and efficient manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Important objects of the present invention are to provide a method andapparatus for monitoring broadcast signals that overcome many of thedisadvantages of the prior art systems; and to provide such method andapparatus for monitoring broadcast signals that can be effectively andefficiently configured for providing the ability to track and identifyprograms, commercials, promotions and other broadcast material forverification, program-lineup, audit and television rating applications.

In brief, the objects and advantages of the present invention areachieved by a multi-level encoded signal monitoring system and auniversal broadcast code (UBC). A plurality of encoders are provided forencoding a predetermined program source signal. The program sourcesignal has a plurality of sequential segments. Each encoder is arrangedfor selectively encoding information on unique specified segments.

A plurality of unique source information message data are selectivelyencoded on the unique specified segments to define the universalbroadcast code with each unique encoded source information message databeing representative of a level of distribution of the program signal.The predetermined program source signal is received and the encodedinformation on selected specified segments is decoded.

As used throughout this description and in the appended claims, the term"segment" is intended to include time slots with or without gaps inaudio and video signal sources and digital transmission systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention together with the above and other objects andadvantages may best be understood from the following detaileddescription of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in thedrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a multi-level encoded signal monitoringsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a smart UBC encoder of the multi-levelencoded signal monitoring system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another simplified UBC encoder of themulti-level encoded signal monitoring system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating a predetermined format of a universalbroadcast code of the multi-level encoded signal monitoring system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a chart illustrating the detailed information messages andsegment assignments for the format shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 4B is a detailed timing diagram showing a UBC data segment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram and chart illustrating an example of UBCencoding of the multi-level encoded signal monitoring system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6-8 are block diagrams illustrating broadcast signal monitoringand television audience measurement apparatus of the monitoring systemof FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is a logic flow diagram illustrating logical steps performed bythe smart UBC encoder of the multi-level encoded signal monitoringsystem of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawing, with particular attention to FIG. 1, thereis illustrated a block diagram of a new and improved multi-level encodedsignal monitoring system according to the invention generally designatedby the reference numeral 10. While the multi-level encoded signalmonitoring system 10 is depicted and generally described herein formonitoring a broadcast signal, the principles of the present inventionare applicable to monitoring television receivers, video cassetterecorders and other receivers and television viewing and listeninghabits of individual audience members or panelists of cooperatinghouseholds.

Multi-level encoded signal monitoring system 10 includes a plurality ofsignal encoders E1-EN generally designated by the reference character12. A corresponding encoder 12 at each stage E1-EN of distribution addsunique identification (ID) information messages to an audio and/or videoprogram source signal 16A provided by a program source 16. It is to beunderstood that the audio and/or video program source signal 16A may beof continuous analog or digital format. As shown, a clock 14 forproviding a time stamp is coupled to the first signal encoder El. Clock14 is not required for each of the signal encoders 12 and is providedwhen local time information is required. Each signal encoder 12 encodesselected, source identification data together with time of occurrencedata at predefined segments for each level of distribution, for example,such as, is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, if the sourceidentification data is to be encoded in the video signal provided by theprogram source 16, the segments of a UBC may be encoded intocorresponding frames of the video signal. Since video signals arebroadcast at a rate of thirty frames per second, and if the frameswithin one second of a broadcast video signal are numbered from one tothirty, segment 2 of the UBC may be inserted into frame 2, segment 3 ofthe UBC may be inserted into frame 3, etc., with certain segments beingwithheld for later allocation. The segments may be inserted into thecorresponding frames using line 20, line 21 or line 22 or a combinationof these lines of the video program source signal. Additionally oralternatively, the predefined segments can include predefinedsub-audible time slots of an audio program source. A basic sub-audibleencoding system with a single information message is described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,931,871 and 4,945,412 issued to Robert A. Kramer of SantaMonica, Calif. Also with digital transmission systems, the predefinedsegments can be encoded in a separate data sub-channel. Each UBC signalencoder 12 is arranged to allow ID information messages to be added onspecified segments only without overwriting any existing encoded data onother segments of the program source signal. The multilevel encodedsignal monitoring system also includes a plurality of signal decodersDM-DN generally designated by the reference character 18. Acorresponding decoder 18 at selected stages of distribution is used tomonitor the UBC signals comprised of ID information messages which havebeen added to a program source 16.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a UBC signal encoder generally designated 12Ais shown. UBC signal encoder 12A receives an audio or video input signalindicated at a line labelled AUDIO OR VIDEO that is applied to asynchronization block 20 for synchronization to the incoming data and adata decoding block 22 for decoding the incoming data. Data decodingblock 22 couples decoded incoming data to a microprocessor 24. Variouscommercially available devices can be used for the microprocessor 24,such as, for example an 80286 microprocessor manufactured and sold byIntel Corp of Santa Clara, Calif. Associated memory devices coupled tothe microprocessor 24 include a random access memory (RAM) 26, a readonly memory (ROM) 28 and a direct access storage device (DASD) disk unit30. Additional optional inputs to the microprocessor 24 include a localtime signal 25B and a local data signal 25C having a content dependingupon the location of the UBC signal encoder 12A in the distributionsystem 10. Microprocessor 24 provides a data output for localperformance monitoring indicated at a line labelled 25A and is coupledto a data encoding block 32. Synchronization block 20 provides asynchronizing signal to the data decoding block 22 and the data encodingblock 32. Encoded information provided by the data encoding block 32 isinserted onto the program source signal via an adder or insertion block34. Simple encoders for adding identification information already existfor other broadcast applications. For example, EEG Enterprises ofFarmingdale, N.Y. makes a model EN270 encoder for the conventional line21 captioning system. Also, VASGO Inc. of Valley Stream, N.Y. makes amodel SGR-38 encoder for the AMOL system. With the modifications asillustrated in FIG. 2, existing encoders could be upgraded to perform asan UBC signal encoder. For example, the SGR-38 encoder can be modifiedby changing its data decoding hardware and microprocessor program torecognize the segment timing of existing AMOL code, and then insert UBCinformation messages representative of the level of program distributioninto the appropriate program source signal segments.

Referring also to FIG. 9, there is shown the logical steps performed bythe microprocessor 24 of the UBC signal encoder 12A. As indicated at ablock 900 labelled INITIALIZE ENCODER, the sequential operations beginupon power-up with an initialization operation by the microprocessor 24to initialize the encoder 12A utilizing programs stored in ROM 28 andDASD disk unit 30. The initialization operation includes initializingpredefined memory locations of RAM 26 and the communications ports 25A,25B, 25C.

Next at a block 902 labelled WAIT FOR SEGMENT SYNCHRONIZATION, themicroprocessor 24 waits for the start of a segment identified by thesynchronization to incoming data block 20. Then at a decision block 904labelled START OF NEW SEGMENT?, the microprocessor 24 identifies thestart of a new segment. When the start of a new segment is notidentified by the microprocessor 24 at decision block 904, then thesequential operations return to block 902 and continue until the startof a new segment is identified. Once a new segment is found at decisionblock 904, any previously encoded data is decoded by the data decodingblock 22 to identify the segment identification as indicated at a block906 labelled DECODE SEGMENT DATA. Alternatively, decoding of the segmentidentification can be determined directly by the synchronization block20.

Next it is determined if the segment corresponds to a local level ofdistribution, as indicated at a decision block 908 labelled IS THIS THELOCAL SEGMENT? If not, the sequential operations return to block 902 andcontinue until the start of a new segment is identified. Otherwise, whendetermined that the segment corresponds to a local level of distributionat the decision block 908, then the appropriate data is encoded usingthe data encoding block 32 via the insertion block 34 as indicated at ablock 910 labelled INSERT LOCAL DATA INCLUDING OPTIONAL TIME. Theencoded data optionally includes local time together with the IDinformation message. As an option, either the local encoded dataindicated at lines 25B and 25C in FIG. 2, or any previously encoded datadecoded by the data decoding block 22, is presented at the data outputport 25A for local monitoring purposes.

FIG. 3 illustrates another UBC signal encoder generally designated 12B.UBC signal encoder 12B receives an audio or video input signal indicatedat a line labelled AUDIO OR VIDEO that is applied to a synchronizationblock 36 for synchronization to the incoming data. Synchronization block36 is coupled to a fixed pattern information message data block 38. Aninformation message definition and segment location input indicated at aline 38I is applied to the fixed pattern data block 38. The informationmessage definition and segment location input 38I can be simply definedby, for example, selecting switch settings. Encoded information providedby the fixed pattern data block 38 is combined on selected specifiedsegments via an insertion block 40.

Referring now to FIG. 4, based on extensions to the AutomatedMeasurement of Lineups (AMOL) signal used by the television networks(ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) and major program syndicators (Paramount, Warner,Camelot and others), the multiple signal encoders 12 together define auniversal broadcast code (UBC) encoded signal having a predefinedinformation message format defining each level of distribution, forexample, such as, is illustrated. The universal broadcast code UBCencoded signal is encoded with program data requiring cooperation bymultiple levels of distribution including advertisers and theiragencies, program providers, syndicators, broadcast and cable networks,local TV stations, and satellite or cable systems. Predefined segmentsof the UBC are used for a level of distribution. As shown, segments 2-3store encoded data representing a source identification (SID) code and atime/date stamp information message for each uniquely assigned network.Segments 5-10 store encoded information message data representing callletters, channel number and local time for each uniquely assigned localtelevision station. Segments 11-14 store encoded information messagedata representing system number and channel number for cable informationor satellite identification. Segments 15-18, designated COMMERCIAL CODE,store encoded information message data representing a nationalcommercial or a local station commercial. Segments 20-25, designatedSHOW ID, store encoded information message data representing syndicatoror program producer name, program name and episode number. Segments 1,4, 19 and 26-30 are unallocated. These segments can be used for futureexpansion if required. They can also be used by the simple encoder 12B.An overall checksum, such as a standard CRC code, can be included insegments 29-30 if desired for overall system reliability of all 30segments.

Additionally it should be understood that variable length informationmessages can be defined for each set of data using a start code,information data and a stop code to define each segment. In this case,time gaps are required for segment insertion at each level ofdistribution. Such a method for using variable length informationmessages is similar to the technique used for transmitting informationin the conventional line 21 captioning system, as described in theFederal Communications Commission rules and regulations, parts 15 and73.

With program sources that originate within the household, unallocatedsegments can be used for identifying this source. A UBC encoder 12B asshown in FIG. 3 can be used for household originated program sources.For example, at the output of a device such as a video game, a low cost,fixed ID encoder 12B can be attached. As the TV selects or tunes to thisvideo game source, the ID information message of the video game would bepresent at the output of the TV.

FIG. 4A provides an example of UBC signal information messages andcorresponding segment allocations based on extensions to the existingAMOL signal. It is to be understood that many such assignments could bemade and this is provided as an illustrative example only. Segments 2-3are based on the current AMOL system as used by television networks forover 15 years. Segments 20-25 are based on an extension made to thisoriginal AMOL system by program syndicators five years ago. AdditionalUBC information messages for local TV station identification, cablesystem or satellite distribution and commercial identification aredescribed and can also be simple extensions of the network ID currentlyinserted into segments 2 and 3 of the video broadcast signal. It is thecombination of some or all of these information messages, each of whichis representative of a level of distribution, that comprises the UBCsignal.

FIG. 4B shows the details of the segments described in FIG. 4A. Based onextensions to the current AMOL signal, both a binary and ASCII segmentformat are shown. It is to be understood that many such assignmentscould be made and this is provided as an illustrative example only. Eachsegment includes 48 bits of data. The binary format for a network IDsegment, for example, includes start of message, frame address, networksource ID, month, day, hour, minute, second and status elements. TheASCII segment includes start of message, frame address and fivecharacters. Using these segment definitions, it is possible to encodeinformation messages, representative of a level of distribution, thatcomprises the UBC signal.

FIG. 5 provides a block diagram and chart illustrating an example of UBCencoding of the multi-level encoded signal monitoring system 10. A firstprogram source at a block 50 labelled SHOW is coupled to a first encoderdistribution block 52 labelled POST PRODUCTION, having an input from ablock 54 labelled COMMERCIAL. The encoder 52 inserts commercial and showidentification codes into the program source signals of correspondingcommercials and shows. Next a second encoder distribution block 56labelled NETWORK DISTRIBUTION adds network identification codes to theprogram source signal. A first optional monitoring block 58 shown indotted line and labelled NETWORK MONITOR can be provided for monitoringthe output of network distribution block 56. A third encoderdistribution block 60 labelled LOCAL TV STATION adds local TV stationidentification codes to the program source signal. A monitoring block 62labelled OVER-THE-AIR MONITOR monitors the output of the local TVstation block 60. Next a fourth encoder distribution block 64 labelledCABLE SYSTEM adds cable system identification codes to the programsource signal. Another optional monitoring block 66 shown in dotted lineand labelled CABLE MONITOR can be provided for monitoring the output ofcable system distribution block 64. A first decoder block 68 labelledHOUSEHOLD provides an input to a household metering block 70 labelledHOUSEHOLD METER for decoding the UBC encoded signal. A householdmetering function is illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 8.

FIG. 6 illustrates a signal monitoring system 80 for monitoring apredetermined signal having a selected frequency received from anantenna, satellite dish, wireless cable, or a cable system 82. A UBCdecoder 84 coupled to a standard receiver 86 processes the monitoredprogram signal and recovers the encoded data at the point of receptionand applies the information to a data collection and forward unit 88. Amodem 90 can be used to couple the collected data to a central computer92 via a modem 94 associated with the central computer 92 andcommunications links generally designated by the reference character 96.The data collection and forward unit 88 can be comprised of anindustrial embedded computer such as the CoreModule™/286 manufacturedand sold by Ampro Computers, Inc. of Sunnyvale, Calif. The modem 90 canbe a MiniModuleTM/Modem from the same company. This computer can operateunder the MS-DOS® operating system sold by Microsoft Corporation ofRedmond, Wash. A device such as the Optima 96 model manufactured andsold by Hayes of Atlanta, Ga. can be used for modem 94. The decoder 84,the receiver 86, the data collection and forward unit 88, and the modem90 may be used for each of the monitors 58, 62 and 66 of FIG. 5.

Central computer 92 collects and processes the monitored data from eachof the signal monitors, such as monitors 58, 62 and 66 of FIG. 5 toprovide signal and program analysis and reports. Central computer 92periodically resets the real time clock of the signal monitor, includedin the data collection and forward unit 88, to facilitate accurate timestamping of the monitored signal data. It should be understood thatvarious conventional arrangements can be used for the communicationlinks 96, for example, such as, via telephone lines connected to thepublic switched telephone network, cellular telephone, or via mailablememory devices. Various commercially available personal computers havingstandard capabilities can be used for the central computer 92, forexample, such as a model Deskpro 486S/25M manufactured and sold byCompaq Corporation of Houston, Tex. Central computer 92 could operateunder the OS/2® operating system supplied by International BusinessMachines of White Plains, N.Y.

FIG. 7 illustrates the UBC decoder 84 which includes a datasynchronization block 100 and a data decoding block 102 receivingincoming data at a line labelled AUDIO OR VIDEO. The synchronizationblock 100 and the data decoding block 102 can be implemented, forexample, using field programmable logic arrays (FPLA) or othercommercially available devices. One such device is the XC3064 fromXilinx, Inc. of San Jose, Calif. Synchronization block 100 provides aninput to the data decoding block 102 and to a segment counting block104. Segment counting block 104 provides an input to the data decodingblock 102. The data synchronization block 100 and segment counting block104 provide the necessary timing signals for proper recovery of the UBCcode by the data decoding block 102. If the program signal, which isencoded with the UBC, is the video portion of a broadcast signal, thesegment counter 104 may count vertical and horizontal sync pulses sothat the information messages can be decoded from the appropriate linesand frames into which the messages are inserted. The decoded output ofthe data decoding block 102 is applied to a local storage block 106 andcoupled to the data collection and forward unit 88. Decoders of similarcapabilities have been designed as single integrated circuits for otherapplications. For example, Philips Semiconductors of South Hampton,England offers the SAA5252 Line Twenty One Decoder (LITOD) and theSAA5248 Integrated VIP and Teletext (IVT) decoder chips.

FIG. 8 illustrates a typical household metering site 68 including asignal input from a cable system to a CATV converter 110. A standard TVreceiver 112 receives the CATV input signal via a video cassetterecorder (VCR) 114. A TV game device 116 is coupled to the TV receiver112 via a simple UBC encoder 118, for example, such as UBC encoder 12Bin FIG. 3. A video or audio pick-up probe 119 positioned near themonitored TV receiver 112 is used for extracting the UBC codes.Non-intrusive probes 119 can include a photo sensor for video signal, amicrophone for audio signal, or an intermediate frequency (IF) probe forcomposite audio and video signal pickup. As part of probe 119, anynecessary signal demodulation circuitry would be provided. In somecases, the probe 119 can make a direct connection to audio or videooutputs from the TV. A UBC decoder 120, such as the decoder 84 shown inFIG. 7, is coupled to the probe 119 and applies its decoded output to adata collection and forward unit 122. As shown, a people meterattachment 124 also is coupled to the data collection and forward unit122 for providing audience measurement data. A modem 126 can be used tocouple the collected data to the central computer 92 via communicationlink 96.

While the invention has been described with reference to details of theillustrated embodiment, these details are not intended to limit thescope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of theUnited States is:
 1. Apparatus for monitoring an universal broadcastcode (UBC) which has been encoded on a program signal comprising:meansfor receiving said universal broadcast code; and, decoding meansresponsive to said receiving means for decoding at least first andsecond distribution level identification data, wherein the firstdistribution level identification data is selectively encoded on a firstsegment of said universal broadcast code, wherein the seconddistribution level identification data is selectively encoded on asecond segment of said universal broadcast code, wherein said firstsegment extends over at least a first frame of a broadcast signal,wherein the second segment extends over a second frame of the broadcastsignal, wherein the first and second frames are different frames,wherein said first and second distribution level identification datauniquely identify corresponding levels of distribution of said programsignal, and wherein at least two of said levels of distribution arelocated remotely from one another.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising means coupled to said decoding means for storing decodeddistribution level identification data.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2further comprising means for storing a current time reference with saiddecoded distribution level identification data.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 2 further comprising means coupled to said decoding means forcommunicating with a central computer to transfer said storeddistribution level identification data to said central computer.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said program signal is a television programsignal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means forsynchronizing to said television program signal, and wherein saidsynchronizing means is coupled to a television receiver.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 further comprising means coupled to said decodingmeans for storing decoded distribution level identification data andmeans coupled to said storing means for communicating with a centralcomputer to transfer said stored distribution level identification datato said central computer.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidprogram signal is a television program signal, wherein said receivingmeans comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said televisionprogram signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to atelevision network distribution point of a television network.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said program signal is a television programsignal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means forsynchronizing to said television program signal, and wherein saidsynchronizing means is coupled to an output of a local televisionstation.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said program signal is atelevision program signal, wherein said receiving means comprisessynchronizing means for synchronizing to said television program signal,and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to an output of a cablesystem.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said program signal is atelevision program signal, wherein said receiving means comprisessynchronizing means for synchronizing to said television program signal,and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to an output of asatellite system.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said programsignal is a television program signal, and wherein said receiving meanscomprises coupling means for coupling said decoding means to saidtelevision program signal.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein saidcoupling means comprises a photo sensor.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11wherein said coupling means comprises a microphone.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 11 wherein said coupling means comprises an intermediate frequencyprobe.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said coupling meanscomprises a direct connection.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11 whereinsaid receiving means comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing tosaid program signal.
 17. An apparatus for monitoring an universalbroadcast code which is encoded on a television and/or radio signalcomprising:means for receiving said universal broadcast code; and,decoding means responsive to said receiving means for decoding at leastfirst and second distributor identifiers, wherein the first distributoridentifier is selectively encoded within a first segment of saiduniversal broadcast code which is encoded on said television and/orradio signal, wherein the second distributor identifier is selectivelyencoded within a second segment of said universal broadcast code whichis encoded on said television and/or radio signal, wherein said firstand second segments are separated in time so that the first and seconddistributor identifiers do not reside in a common frame of a televisionportion of said television and/or radio signal, and wherein said firstand second distributor identifiers uniquely identify correspondingdistributors of said television and/or radio signal.
 18. The apparatusof claim 17 further comprising means coupled to said decoding means forstoring decoded distributor identifiers.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18further comprising means coupled to said decoding means forcommunicating with a central computer to transfer said storeddistributor identifiers to said central computer.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 17 further comprising means for storing a current time referencewith said decoded distributor identifiers.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17wherein said universal broadcast code which is encoded on saidtelevision and/or radio program signal is an universal broadcast codewhich is encoded on a television signal, wherein said receiving meanscomprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said encodedtelevision signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to atelevision receiver in order to synchronize to said encoded televisionsignal.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising means coupledto said decoding means for storing decoded distributor identifiers andmeans coupled to said storing means for communicating with a centralcomputer to transfer said stored distributor identifiers to said centralcomputer.
 23. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said universal broadcastcode which is encoded on said television and/or radio signal is anuniversal broadcast code which is encoded on a television signal,wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means forsynchronizing to said encoded television signal, and wherein saidsynchronizing means is coupled to a television network distributionpoint of a network distributor.
 24. The apparatus of claim 17 whereinsaid universal broadcast code which is encoded on said television and/orradio signal is an universal broadcast code which is encoded on atelevision signal, wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizingmeans for synchronizing to said encoded television signal, and whereinsaid synchronizing means is coupled to an output means of a localtelevision station.
 25. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said universalbroadcast code which is encoded on said television and/or radio signalis an universal broadcast code which is encoded on a television signal,wherein said receiving means comprises synchronizing means forsynchronizing to said encoded television signal, and wherein saidsynchronizing means is coupled to an output of a cable system.
 26. Theapparatus of claim 17 wherein said universal broadcast code which isencoded on said television and/or radio signal is an universal broadcastcode which is encoded on a television signal, wherein said receivingmeans comprises synchronizing means for synchronizing to said encodedtelevision signal, and wherein said synchronizing means is coupled to anoutput of a satellite system.
 27. A universal broadcast code (UBC)encoded program signal comprising:at least first and second segments ofsaid program signal, wherein said first segment occurs within at least afirst time period of the program signal, wherein the second segmentoccurs within at least a second time period of the program signal,wherein the first and second time periods are equivalent in time to aframe of a video signal, and wherein the first and second time periodsare different time periods; and, at least first and second distributionlevel identification data, wherein the first distribution levelidentification data is encoded within the first segment of said programsignal, wherein the second distribution level identification data isencoded within the second segment of said program signal, wherein saidfirst and second distribution level identification data uniquelyidentify corresponding first and second levels of distribution of saidprogram signal, and wherein said first and second levels of distributionare located remotely from one another.
 28. The universal broadcast codeencoded program signal of claim 27 wherein one of said levels ofdistribution of said program signal includes a program originator, andwherein a corresponding distribution level identification data includesthe identity of said program originator.
 29. The universal broadcastcode encoded program signal of claim 27 further comprising at leastthree segments of said program signal and at least three distributionlevel identification data encoded within said at least three segments ofsaid program signal, wherein one of said distribution levelidentification data includes the identity of a network, wherein anotherof said distribution level identification data includes the identity ofa local television or radio station, and wherein still another of saiddistribution level identification data includes the identity of atelevision or radio cable system.
 30. The universal broadcast codeencoded program signal of claim 27 further comprising at least threesegments of said program signal and at least three distribution levelidentification data encoded within said at least three segments of saidprogram signal, wherein one of said distribution level identificationdata includes the identity of a network, wherein another of saiddistribution level identification data includes the identity of a localtelevision or radio station, and wherein still another of saiddistribution level identification data includes the identity of atelevision or radio satellite system.
 31. The universal broadcast codeencoded program signal of claim 27 wherein one of said levels ofdistribution includes a programming source for commercials, promotions,public service announcements, or other media event.
 32. The universalbroadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein saiddistribution level identification data include date and time data. 33.The universal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 whereinsaid distribution level identification data identifies one of multiplenetwork sources, one of multiple local TV stations, and a satellite orcable system.
 34. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal ofclaim 27 wherein one of said levels of distribution of said programsignal includes a television or radio network, and wherein acorresponding one of said distribution level identification datauniquely identifies said television or radio network.
 35. The universalbroadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein one of saidlevels of distribution of said program signal includes a programoriginator, wherein another of said levels of distribution of saidprogram signal includes a television or radio network, wherein one ofsaid distribution level identification data uniquely identifies saidprogram originator, and wherein another of said distribution levelidentification data uniquely identifies said television or radionetwork.
 36. The universal broadcast code encoded program signal ofclaim 27 wherein one of said levels of distribution of said programsignal includes a television or radio network, wherein another of saidlevels of distribution of said program signal includes a localtelevision or radio station, wherein one of said distribution levelidentification data uniquely identifies said television or radionetwork, and wherein another of said distribution level identificationdata uniquely identifies said local television or radio station.
 37. Theuniversal broadcast code encoded program signal of claim 27 wherein oneof said levels of distribution of said program signal includes atelevision or radio network or a cable network, wherein another of saidlevels of distribution of said program signal includes a localtelevision or radio station or a cable system, wherein one of saiddistribution level identification data uniquely identifies saidtelevision or radio network or said cable network, and wherein anotherof said distribution level identification data uniquely identifies saidlocal television or radio station or said cable system.
 38. An universalbroadcast code (UBC) encoded television program signal comprising:atleast first and second frames of said television program signal, whereinsaid first and second frames are different frames of said televisionprogram signal; and, at least first and second distributoridentification codes, wherein said first distributor identification codeis encoded within the first frame of said television program signalexclusive of the second distributor identification code, wherein saidsecond distributor identification code is encoded within the secondframe of said television program signal exclusive of the firstdistributor identification code, and wherein said first and seconddistributor identification codes uniquely identify correspondingdistributors of said television program signal.
 39. The universalbroadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein oneof said distributors of said television program signal includes atelevision program originator, and wherein a corresponding one of saiddistributor identification codes includes the identity of saidtelevision program originator.
 40. The universal broadcast code encodedtelevision program signal of claim 38 further comprising at least threeframes of said television program signal and at least three distributoridentification codes encoded within said at least three frames of saidtelevision program signal, wherein one of said distributoridentification codes includes the identity of a television network,wherein another of said distributor identification codes includes theidentity of a local television station, and wherein still another ofsaid distributor identification codes includes the identity of atelevision cable system.
 41. The universal broadcast code encodedtelevision program signal of claim 38 further comprising at least threeframes of said television program signal and at least three distributoridentification codes encoded within said at least three frames of saidtelevision program signal, wherein one of said distributoridentification codes includes the identity of a television network,wherein another of said distributor identification codes includes theidentity of a local television station, and wherein still another ofsaid distributor identification codes includes the identity of atelevision satellite system.
 42. The universal broadcast code encodedtelevision program signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributorsincludes a programming source for commercials, promotions, publicservice announcements, or other media event.
 43. The universal broadcastcode encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein saiddistributor identification codes include date and time data.
 44. Theuniversal broadcast code encoded television program signal of claim 38further comprising at least three frames of said television programsignal and at least three distributor identification codes encodedwithin said at least three frames of said television program signal,wherein one of said distributor identification codes includes theidentity of one of multiple television networks, wherein another of saiddistributor identification codes includes the identity of one ofmultiple local television stations, and wherein still another of saiddistributor identification codes includes the identity of a televisionsatellite system.
 45. The universal broadcast code encoded televisionprogram signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributors of saidtelevision program signal includes a television network, and wherein oneof said distributor identification codes uniquely identifies saidtelevision network.
 46. The universal broadcast code encoded televisionprogram signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributors of saidtelevision program signal includes a program originator, wherein anotherof said distributors of said television program signal includes atelevision network, wherein one of said distributor identification codesuniquely identifies said program originator, and wherein another of saiddistributor identification codes uniquely identifies said televisionnetwork.
 47. The universal broadcast code encoded television programsignal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributors of said televisionprogram signal includes a television network, wherein another of saiddistributors of said television program signal includes a localtelevision station, wherein one of said distributor identification codesuniquely identifies said television network, and wherein another of saiddistributor identification codes uniquely identifies said localtelevision station.
 48. The universal broadcast code encoded televisionprogram signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributors of saidtelevision program signal includes a television network or a cablenetwork, wherein another of said distributors of said television programsignal includes a local television station or a cable system, whereinone of said distributor identification codes uniquely identifies saidtelevision network or said cable network, and wherein another of saiddistributor identification codes uniquely identifies said localtelevision station or said cable system.
 49. The universal broadcastcode encoded television program signal of claim 38 wherein one of saiddistributor identification codes includes the identity of one ofmultiple television networks, and wherein another of said distributoridentification codes includes the identity of one of multiple localtelevision stations.
 50. The universal broadcast code encoded televisionprogram signal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributoridentification codes includes the identity of one of multiple localtelevision stations, and wherein another of said distributoridentification codes includes the identity of a satellite or cablesystem.
 51. The universal broadcast code encoded television programsignal of claim 38 wherein one of said distributor identification codesincludes the identity of one of multiple television networks, andwherein another of said distributor identification codes includes theidentity of a satellite or cable system.
 52. A distributoridentification code for use in a multi-segment television or radiosignal comprising:first distributor identification data, wherein saidfirst distributor identification data is encoded within a first segmentof said multi-segment television or radio signal, wherein said firstsegment covers a first time period which is equivalent to at least aframe of a television signal, and wherein said first distributoridentification data uniquely identifies a corresponding firstdistributor of said multi-segment television or radio signal; and,second distributor identification data, wherein said second distributoridentification data is encoded within a second segment of saidmulti-segment television or radio signal, wherein said second segmentcovers a second time period which is equivalent to at least a frame of atelevision signal, wherein said first and second time periods aredifferent time periods of said multi-segment television or radio signal,and wherein said second distributor identification data uniquelyidentifies a corresponding second distributor of said multi-segmenttelevision or radio signal.
 53. The distributor identification code ofclaim 52 wherein one of said first and second distributors of saidmulti-segment television or radio signal is a program originator, andwherein a corresponding one of said first and second distributoridentification data includes the identity of said program originator.54. The distributor identification code of claim 52 further comprisingthird distributor identification data, wherein said third distributoridentification data is encoded within a corresponding third segment ofsaid multi-segment television or radio signal, wherein said thirddistributor identification data uniquely identifies a correspondingthird distributor of said multi-segment television or radio signal,wherein one of said first, second, and third distributor identificationdata includes the identity of a network, wherein another of said first,second, and third distributor identification data includes the identityof a local television or radio station, and wherein still another ofsaid first, second, and third distributor identification data includesthe identity of a television or radio cable system.
 55. The distributoridentification code of claim 52 further comprising third distributoridentification data, wherein said third distributor identification datais encoded within a corresponding third segment of said multi-segmenttelevision or radio signal, wherein said third distributoridentification data uniquely identifies a corresponding third level ofdistribution of said multi-segment television or radio signal, whereinone of said first, second, and third distributor identification dataincludes the identity of a network, wherein another of said first,second, and third distributor identification data includes the identityof a local television or radio station, and wherein still another ofsaid first, second, and third distributor identification data includesthe identity of a television or radio satellite system.
 56. Thedistributor identification code of claim 52 wherein one of saiddistributors includes a programming source for commercials, promotions,public service announcements, or other media event.
 57. The distributoridentification code of claim 52 wherein said distributor identificationdata include date and time data.
 58. The distributor identification codeof claim 52 further comprising third distributor identification data,wherein said third distributor identification data is encoded within acorresponding third segment of said multi-segment television or radiosignal, wherein said third distributor identification data uniquelyidentifies a corresponding third level of distribution of saidmulti-segment television or radio signal, wherein one of said first,second, and third distributor identification data includes the identityof one of multiple network sources, wherein another of said first,second, and third distributor identification data includes the identityof one of multiple local television stations, and wherein still anotherof said first, second, and third distributor identification dataincludes the identity of a satellite or cable system.
 59. Thedistributor identification code of claim 52 wherein one of saiddistributors of said multi-segment television or radio signal includes atelevision or radio network, and wherein a corresponding one of saidfirst and second distributor identification data uniquely identifiessaid television or radio network.
 60. The distributor identificationcode of claim 52 wherein one of said distributors of said multi-segmenttelevision or radio signal includes a program originator, whereinanother of said distributors of said multi-segment television or radiosignal includes a television or radio network, wherein one of said firstand second distributor identification data uniquely identifies saidprogram originator, and wherein another of said first and seconddistributor identification data uniquely identifies said television orradio network.
 61. The distributor identification code of claim 52wherein one of said distributors of said multi-segment television orradio signal includes a television or radio network, wherein another ofsaid distributors of said multi-segment television or radio signalincludes a local television or radio station, wherein one of said firstand second distributor identification data uniquely identifies saidtelevision or radio network, and wherein another of said first andsecond distributor identification data uniquely identifies said localtelevision or radio station.
 62. The distributor identification code ofclaim 52 wherein one of said distributors of said multi-segmenttelevision or radio signal includes a television or radio network or acable network, wherein another of said distributors of saidmulti-segment television or radio signal includes a local television orradio station or a cable system, wherein one of said first and seconddistributor identification data uniquely identifies said television orradio network or said cable network, and wherein another of said firstand second distributor identification data uniquely identifies saidlocal television or radio station or said cable system.
 63. A method ofdetermining distributors of a multi-segment video or audio signalcomprising the steps of:detecting first distributor identification dataencoded in a first segment of said multi-segment video or audio signalso as to uniquely identify a corresponding first distributor of saidmulti-segment video or audio signal, wherein said first segment is atleast 1/30^(th) second in length; and, detecting second distributoridentification data encoded in a second segment of said multi-segmentvideo or audio signal to uniquely identify a corresponding seconddistributor of said multi-segment video or audio signal; wherein saidsecond segment is at least 1/30^(th) second in length, and wherein thefirst and second segments are different segments.
 64. The method ofclaim 63 wherein said step of detecting first distributor identificationdata includes the step of detecting date and time data encoded in saidfirst segment of said multi-segment video or audio signal.
 65. Themethod of claim 63 wherein said step of detecting second distributoridentification data includes the step of detecting date and time dataencoded in said second segment of said multi-segment video or audiosignal.
 66. A distributor identification code for use in a broadcastmedia signal comprising:first distributor identification data, saidfirst distributor identification data being encoded in said broadcastmedia signal and uniquely identifying a corresponding first distributorof said broadcast media signal; and, second distributor identificationdata, said second distributor identification data being encoded in saidbroadcast media signal and uniquely identifying a corresponding seconddistributor of said broadcast media signal, said first and secondidentification data being serially encoded in said broadcast mediasignal.
 67. The distributor identification code of claim 66 wherein oneof said first and second distributors of said broadcast media signal isa program originator, and wherein a corresponding one of said first andsecond distributor identification data includes the identity of saidprogram originator.
 68. The distributor identification code of claim 66further comprising third distributor identification data, wherein saidthird distributor identification data is encoded in said broadcast mediasignal and uniquely identifies a corresponding third distributor of saidbroadcast media signal, wherein one of said first, second and thirddistributor identification data includes the identity of a network,wherein another of said first, second and third distributoridentification data includes the identity of a local television or radiostation, and wherein another of said first, second and third distributoridentification data includes the identity of a cable system.
 69. Thedistributor identification code of claim 66 further comprising thirddistributor identification data, wherein said third distributoridentification data is encoded in said broadcast media signal anduniquely identifies a corresponding third distributor of said broadcastmedia signal, wherein one of said first, second and third distributoridentification data includes the identity of a network, wherein anotherof said first, second and third distributor identification data includesthe identity of a local television or radio station, and wherein anotherof said first, second and third distributor identification data includesthe identity of a satellite system.
 70. The distributor identificationcode of claim 66 wherein one of said distributors is a programmingsource for commercials, promotions, public service announcements, orother media event.
 71. The distributor identification code of claim 66wherein said distributor identification data include date and time data.72. The distributor identification code of claim 66 further comprisingthird distributor identification data, wherein said third distributoridentification data is encoded in said broadcast media signal anduniquely identifies a corresponding third distributor of said broadcastmedia signal, wherein one of said first, second and third distributoridentification data includes the identity of one of multiple networksources, wherein another of said first, second and third distributoridentification data includes the identity of one of multiple localtelevision stations, and wherein another of said first, second and thirddistributor identification data includes the identity of a satellite orcable system.
 73. The distributor identification code of claim 66wherein one of said distributors of said broadcast media signal is atelevision or radio network and wherein a corresponding one of saidfirst and second distributor identification data uniquely identifiessaid television or radio network.
 74. The distributor identificationcode of claim 66 wherein one of said distributors of said broadcastmedia signal is a program originator and another of said distributors ofsaid broadcast media signal is a television or radio network, whereinone of said first and second distributor identification data uniquelyidentifies said program originator and another of said first and seconddistributor level identification data uniquely identifies saidtelevision or radio network.
 75. The distributor identification code ofclaim 66 wherein one of said distributors of said broadcast media signalis a television or radio network and another of said distributors ofsaid broadcast media signal is a local television or radio station,wherein one of said first and second distributor identification datauniquely identifies said television or radio network and another of saidfirst and second distributor identification data uniquely identifiessaid television or radio station.
 76. The distributor identificationcode of claim 66 wherein one of said distributors of said broadcastmedia signal is a television or radio network or a cable network andanother of said distributors of said broadcast media signal is a localtelevision or radio station or a cable system, wherein one of said firstand second distributor identification data uniquely identifies saidtelevision or radio network or said cable network and another of saidfirst and second distributor identification data uniquely identifiessaid television or radio station or said cable system.
 77. A method ofdetermining distributors of a broadcast media signal comprising thesteps of:detecting first distributor identification data encoded in saidbroadcast media signal to uniquely identify a corresponding firstdistributor of said broadcast media signal; and, detecting seconddistributor identification data encoded in said broadcast media signalto uniquely identify a corresponding second distributor of saidbroadcast media data, wherein said first and second distributoridentification data are serially encoded in said broadcast media signal.78. The method of claim 77 wherein said step of detecting firstdistributor identification data includes the step of detecting date andtime data encoded in said broadcast media signal.
 79. The method ofclaim 77 wherein said step of detecting second distributoridentification data includes the step of detecting date and time dataencoded in said broadcast media signal.